The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, announced on Thursday, 18 December, the pardon of 771 inmates across the country, including individuals convicted for their participation in the violent protests that followed the general elections of 9 October 2024, called by then-presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, the Mozambican News Agency reported.
According to the agency, the announcement was made in the Assembly of the Republic during the presentation of the Annual Report on the General State of the Nation. The head of state explained that the measure will take effect on the following Monday, 22 December, allowing those pardoned to celebrate Family Day on 25 December with their families.
Daniel Chapo stated that the pardon is part of the political commitment to an Inclusive National Dialogue and aims to strengthen national reconciliation. “This gesture contributes to consolidating reconciliation and harmony among Mozambican brothers and sisters, in line with the law of the political commitment for an Inclusive National Dialogue,” said the President.
The head of state reminded that the political commitment, signed in March this year, includes, among other measures, the pardon of citizens convicted for participating in violent, illegal, and criminal demonstrations, as a way to overcome recurring cycles of political tension in the country.
In addition to the pardon, the agreement establishes structural legal reforms in the functioning of the State, with the goal of consolidating national unity, preserving territorial integrity, strengthening political stability, and promoting good governance.
Daniel Chapo reiterated that the decision represents an important step toward building an environment of social peace and mutual trust among Mozambicans. “To those pardoned, we urge you to make this moment a true second chance at life, responding responsibly to the trust and forgiveness granted by the country,” he declared.
The President also called on society to welcome the citizens included in the pardon with a spirit of reconciliation. “We urge all of society to receive these citizens with a spirit of peace, forgiveness, and empathy, values that define the character of the Mozambican people,” he concluded.
